​WORK has started on a £1 million scheme to save more than 800 homes and business along the banks of the river Trent from flooding.

Environment Agency chiefs ordered the flood defences at Burringham to be fortified after a section of embankment, which dates back to the 13th century, showed signs of instability.

To overcome the problem, sheet piles will be driven into the bank at the location known as Burringham Slips, near the King George V Bridge in Keadby.

Then stone will be placed to act as scour protection.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: “A section of embankment, about 100 metres long, was showing signs of instability over the summer.

“It was caused by erosion to the foreshore and riverbed immediately in front of the bank.”

The work will be carried out in two stages. Contractors have already started placing stone on the bottom of the river bank and the work is expected to last between four to five weeks. The second phase will involve piling the river bank and installing erosion protection to ensure long-term stability.

This work will begin in the new year and last about three months.

The spokeswoman said: “To avoid disruption, the majority of the work will be undertaken from a barge in the river.

“Around £1 million is being invested in bringing this section of important flood embankment back up to standard.”

The embankment, which is 800 years old, prevents flooding from monthly high tides and protects 817 homes and businesses along the Trent.

It also defends the motorway, the main railway line, several local roads, a primary school and arable land.

The spokeswoman said: “The work will offer a long-term solution and will reinforce this 800-year-old structure permanently.”